Splendors of the South 9 Days 8 Nights

Upon your arrival at Frankfurt airport, reception through our company and transfer to your hotel in downtown Frankfurt. Rest of the day at leisure for private activities. Visit the Römer Platz, the main square and walk from there towards the Main River. Crossing the bridge to the other side will give you a nice view of the Mainhattan skyline, with interesting skyscrapers. Overnight at the Mövenpick Frankfurt City Hotel 4**** or similar.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will have a day pass for the regional train to visit the Rhine Valley on your own. We will follow you virtually of course and help you on this awesome journey. Your first destination will be Rüdesheim am Rhein known for winemaking, especially of Riesling wines. In the center, Drosselgasse is a lane lined with shops, taverns and restaurants. Nearby, Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet is a museum of automated musical instruments. Medieval Brömserburg Castle is home to the Rheingau Wine Museum, exhibiting wine paraphernalia from ancient times to the present. If you are looking for a special souvenir, there you have plenty of them, specially the cuckoos clockwork. Continue along the Rhine River until you reach Koblenz. And note that, as you have a day ticket, you can stop in every town along the route for a short visit and then continue to the next point. Koblenz is a medieval city situated at the converge of the Rhine and Moselle Rivers, famous for its Deutsches Ecke or German Corner. Take a walk from the train station to this place and you will get an impressive feeling of the Middle Ages. Here, at the German Corner you will embark on a boat to sail the wonderful Rhine River. After this visit, you can return by train to Frankfurt to your hotel. Overnight. (B)

After breakfast, departure on a private vehicle to explore the southern region of Germany.  Your first stop will be Rothenburg ob der Taube, a fairy-tale town frozen in time  and the most medieval city on this journey. Seeing Rothenburg ob der Tauber's forty-two gates and towers etched against the unspoiled countryside from a distance, you'd swear you were looking at the Fifteenth Century through field glasses. Inside, the town's almost completely intact walls and carefully-preserved half-timbered houses truly do bring visitors back in time. The Town Hall Tower beckons with its fine views of the town and the idyllic surrounding countryside. Enjoy on your own walking on the well-preserved medieval walls and towers that encircle the town, and immerse yourself in its romantic atmosphere. Next, your journey leads you to Heidelberg, home to one of Germany's most celebrated landmarks – Heidelberg Castle. Perched majestically above the Neckar River, this imposing fortress offers panoramic views of the city below. Explore the castle's fascinating history as you stroll through its courtyards and admire its Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Afterward, delve into the charming streets of Heidelberg on a city tour, where you'll discover quaint squares, lively marketplaces, and picturesque alleyways. Continuing your adventure, you'll make a brief stop in Baden-Baden, renowned for its luxurious spas and elegant architecture. Take a leisurely stroll through the town center, where Belle Époque buildings and lush parks create an atmosphere of refined beauty and relaxation. As the day draws to a close, your journey concludes in the vibrant city of Freiburg. Nestled at the foot of the Black Forest, Freiburg is a blend of old-world charm and youthful energy. Check into your accommodation and unwind after a day of exploration, perhaps savoring a delicious meal at one of the local restaurants or enjoying a leisurely evening stroll through the city's historic streets. Overnight at the Park Hotel Post Freiburg 4**** or similar. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.  Embark today on an unforgettable Alsatian adventure, and prepare to be enchanted as you set out on a day trip to explore the picturesque towns of Colmar and Strasbourg, each offering its own unique blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Your first destination is Colmar, often referred to as the "Little Venice" of France. As you wander through its narrow cobblestone streets, you'll be captivated by the town's romantic canals, colorful half-timbered houses, and flower-bedecked bridges. Take a leisurely stroll through the historic Old Town, where Gothic churches and Renaissance buildings stand as testaments to Colmar's rich past. After immersing yourself in the charm of Colmar, continue your journey to Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region and seat of the European Parliament. Upon arrival, embark on a guided tour of the city's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Admire the majestic Strasbourg Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that has dominated the city's skyline for centuries. Explore the charming La Petite France district, with its picturesque canals, timber-framed houses, and cozy cafes. As the day draws to a close, bid farewell to Strasbourg and begin your journey back to Freiburg, reflecting on the memories of a day filled with enchanting sights, cultural discoveries, and culinary delights. Whether it's the fairytale charm of Colmar or the historic grandeur of Strasbourg, your Alsatian day trip promises to be an unforgettable experience, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for this unique region of France. Overnight at the the Park Hotel Post Freiburg 4**** or similar. (B) 

After breakfast, embark on the next leg of your adventure, as you leave the charming city of Freiburg behind and journey towards the enchanting shores of Lake Constance (Bodensee). Today's itinerary promises a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and culinary indulgence. Your first stop is Konstanz, a historic city nestled on the shores of Lake Constance. As you arrive, you'll be greeted by the sparkling waters of the lake and the imposing silhouette of the medieval town. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront promenade, where charming cafes and colorful flower gardens create a serene atmosphere. Explore the Old Town, with its narrow streets and picturesque squares, and visit the impressive Konstanz Cathedral, known for its stunning Gothic architecture and ornate interiors. From Konstanz, set sail for Mainau Island, often referred to as the "Island of Flowers." Step ashore and immerse yourself in a botanical paradise, where lush gardens, vibrant blooms, and exotic plants create a feast for the senses. Wander through the island's themed gardens, from the fragrant Rose Garden to the tranquil Mediterranean Terrace, and marvel at the breathtaking displays of flora from around the world. After exploring Mainau Island, continue your journey to Immenstadt, a charming town nestled in the heart of the Allgäu region. Here, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in a wine tasting experience, sampling exquisite wines produced in the region's fertile vineyards. Learn about the art of winemaking from knowledgeable experts and savor the rich flavors and aromas of local varietals. As the day draws to a close, make your way to Füssen, a picturesque town nestled at the foot of the Bavarian Alps. Famous for its fairy-tale castles and stunning mountain scenery, Füssen is the perfect destination to conclude your day of exploration. Overnight at the Hotel Hirsch 4**** or similar. (B)

After breakfast, leave the hotel on a guided tour to visit the most visited monument in Germany, the Neuschwannstein Palace. Departing from Füssen, visit first the idyllic area ato your own pace. Wander through the scenic German countryside on your way to the legendary extravagance of the German castles Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. Known for their elaborate construction and world-famous architecture, these two extraordinary structures were dreamed up by Germany’s own Ludwig II, also known as the Swan King. You’ll soon find out why many believe Neuschwanstein  inspired Disney’s storybook castles -get ready to feel like you’re living a real-life fairy tale. Hidden in the seclusion of the mountains, German King Ludwig II built two of his dream castles: Neuschwanstein and Linderhof. Both testify to the vision of Bavaria’s fairytale King. You’ll visit then Linderhof Castle, a French rococo-style castle inspired by Versailles itself and surrounded by immaculately manicured gardens. A quick shopping and photo stop in the charming village Oberammergau will recharge your batteries for the second half of your day before you continue to Munich.  Overnight at the Eurostars Grand Central 4**** or similar. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today´s program include a city tour in Munich, the capital of the state of Bavaria, third largest city in Germany, behind Berlin and Hamburg. Its native name, München, is derived from the Old High German Munichen, meaning "by the monks‘place". The city's name derives from the monks of the Benedictine order who founded the city; hence, the monk depicted on the city's coat of arms. Walk with your guide through the historic city center, including Karlstor Gate, the Cathedral of Munich (Frauenkirche), the Odeon Square and Marienplatz (Marien Square)  where the city hall is located.  After the city tour, rest of the day free for private activities. In the evening, indulge in an authentic Bavarian experience with a dinner at the legendary Hofbräuhaus in Munich. Step into a centuries-old beer hall, where the atmosphere is alive with the sounds of laughter, music, and clinking steins. Savor classic Bavarian dishes bursting with flavor, from crispy pork knuckles and hearty sausages to tender schnitzels and savory pretzels. Pair your meal with a stein of Hofbräuhaus' iconic beer, brewed according to centuries-old traditions and served with a frothy head that beckons you to take a sip. As you dine, enjoy live music from a lively band playing traditional Bavarian tunes, creating a festive atmosphere that invites you to raise your glass in celebration. Whether you're sharing a meal with friends, family, or fellow travelers, a dinner at the Hofbräuhaus is an unforgettable culinary journey through Bavarian culture and hospitality. Prost! Back to the hotel. Overnight at the Eurostars Grand Central 4**** or similar (B) 

Breakfast at the hotel. Our Salzburg tour bring you today to one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. A day trip to one of Europe’s most beautiful and romantic cities, the home of The Sound of Music and Mozart. Spend a magical day with us across the border in Austria as we visit the gorgeous baroque city of Salzburg, a place so precious that it has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Medieval fortresses, beautiful alpine scenery, historic cathedrals, iconic movie locations, and some of the best chocolate and confectionary in the world: Salzburg is the highlight of a two week European trip packed into one day. We’ll show you all the important sights of Salzburg – such as the famous Salzburg “Dom” – Cathedral, St. Peter’s church, the Mirabell Gardens, or the elegant promenades along the banks of the river Salzach. And if you are a fan of the Sound of Music, you must see Salzburg. Salzburg is only a two-hour train ride from Munich, making it perfect for a day trip. The historic Salzburg Old Town is compact and walkable, and can easily be experienced in one day. We’ll walk you through Salzburg and give you an orientation and plenty of advice, and then you’ll have time to explore historic Salzburg for yourself before we come back to Munich. Overnight at the Eurostars Grand Central 4**** or similar. (B)

Breakfast at the Hotel. Before leaving the airport for your flight back home, we will have time to see the city again, go shopping or do another tour. We suggest you to visit Nymphenburg Castle to complete your vision of Germany. After check-in at the airport, end of our services. (B)